As tensions rise between the U.S. and Iran, the Pentagon has authorized the deployment of a Patriot missile battery to the Middle East • ’USS Arlington’ will join the ‘USS Abraham Lincoln’ carrier strike group.

(May 12, 2019 / JNS) The U.S. Defense Department has announced that the United States will deploy a Patriot missile battery and an additional warship to the Middle East as tensions between Iran and America ramp up over Pentagon allegations that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was planning an attack on American forces or interests in the region.

The United States removed Patriot missile batteries from Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan in late 2018.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is now in the Red Sea, having been moved to the region earlier this week after U.S. officials said Iran had moved short-range ballistic missiles onto boats on its shore.

On Friday, the Pentagon said the transport ship USS Arlington would replace the USS McHenry in the region ahead of schedule. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit will also be dispatched. The destroyer USS McFaul and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard have been moved from the Red Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, two B-52 bombers have arrived in Qatar and several U.S. F-35 fighter jets have been sent to the UAE.

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O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.